October is pretty recognizable as Breast Cancer Month. So it was an easy choice for October’s Cause. And it’s also something that’s close to my heart (not literally thankfully). My aunt is a survivor and I know people in many avenues of my life that are affected by this horrible disease. I only pray for anyone affected that it is disease of the body not the soul.
Just recently Breast Cancer struck again! That nasty villain took up residence with someone dear to me, my oldest friends mother in law. So over the years I have gotten to spend time with her and get to know her. She has even babysat my son and we have shared a drink here and there.
Marla was diagnosed in June of this year and started treatments in July. Surrounded by an amazing medical team and an super community, Marla set out to bid farewell to this awful visitor. But, not without obstacles, like having to leave her job that she loved. Marla’s a fighter though. Overcoming a scary few weeks just recently and finally now getting to go home. Lets fight with her. Shopping in October will support Marla and her fight against breast cancer.
Do you know that signs of Breast Cancer?
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:
- a lump in the breast – the most common first sign
- The woman usually finds the lump.
- Sometimes the lump is seen on a screening mammogram before it can be felt.
- The lump is present all the time and does not get smaller or go away with the menstrual cycle.
- The lump may feel like it is attached to the skin or chest wall and cannot be moved.
- The lump may feel hard, irregular in shape and very different from the rest of the breast tissue.
- The lump may be tender, but it is usually not painful.
- Pain is more often a symptom of a non-cancerous (benign) condition, but should be checked by a doctor.
- The woman usually finds the lump.
- a lump in the armpit (axilla)
- Sometimes small, hard lumps in the armpit may be a sign that breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Although these lumps are often painless, they may be tender.
- changes in breast shape or size
- skin changes
- The skin of the breast may become dimpled or puckered. A thickening and dimpling of the skin is sometimes called orange peel skin, or peau d’orange.
- Redness, swelling and increased warmth (signs that look like an infection) may be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer.
- Itching of the breast or nipple may be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer.
- Itchiness is often not relieved by ointments, creams or other medications.
- nipple changes
- Some people’s nipples are always pointed inward (inverted). Normal nipples that suddenly become inverted should be checked by a doctor.
- Discharge from the nipples can be caused by many conditions, most of which are non-cancerous (benign).
- Discharge from one nipple may be a sign of breast cancer, especially if it appears without squeezing the nipple (is spontaneous) and is blood-stained.
- Crusting, ulcers or scaling on the nipple may be a sign of some rare types of breast cancer, such as Paget disease of the nipple.
Did you know?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. On average 68 women, in Canada, will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer EVERY DAY. And 14 women will die from Breast Cancer EVERY DAY. (www.cancer.ca)
Lets fight these odds together!
Get regular exams done. Raise awareness and support.
Lets help Marla fight this. (She has some pretty exciting things coming up and we want to see her healthy and strong with this stage of her life behind her!)
Scarlett Dreams 